Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
fabulous other world romantic thriller, June 7, 2009
For five years, the daughter of the Army's top general, Sapphire the concubine has been numero uno with the King of Sari. However, her popularity with the monarch means Sapphire has a powerful enemy, the queen orders her out of the palace. Her exile to her lavish home includes servants so Sapphire feels good that she no longer is a sex toy.
Crown Prince Wulfric of warring neighboring D'Ashier arrives at her home badly injured. She realizes who he is and once he heals they make love. He wants her in his home, but she is loyal to her nation. However, he rejects her refusal and takes her to his palace where he makes her his top concubine over her second objection. However, as they fall in love, Wulf begins to wonder who the prisoner is.
The first Sapphire other world romantic thriller is a fabulous tale starring a delightful courageous heroine and the stubborn Prince she conquers. Sub-genre fans will appreciate the fast-paced story line from the moment that the Sari Queen exiles her greatest rival into an affluent banishment and never slows down as the heroine is abducted by the royal she saves. With vivid detail to her exotic world that feels like an entry found in the Arabian Nights, Livia Dare provides a strong opening entry in what looks like a wonderful saga.
Harriet Klausner
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
amazing story in a futuristic landscape that is a compelling and fascinating, June 2, 2009
In the Flesh by Livia Dare
Futuristic Romance- June 2nd, 2009
4 stars
Theirs is a dangerous, forbidden love.
Sapphire is a trained concubine renowned because she holds the love of the King of Sari. For her, the King is a job and she can never love him because he only sees her as a possession. She does not regret becoming a concubine but has discovered that she does miss her independence. When the jealous Queen of Sari retires her and gives Sapphire her own palace, she is at first joyous. Freedom to live and be her own person is a pleasure she will never take for granted again. However, Sapphire does not realize that the Queen actually intends to punish her by bestowing upon Sapphire a male concubine that will endanger her life and that of her family.
Wulfric is the Crown Prince and mortal enemy of the King of Sari. When he is captured, tortured and finally given to serve the renowned concubine Sapphire he is outraged. All he can think of his is his hatred and a way to escape. Wulfric's plan is to seduce Sapphire, use her, and ruthlessly gain his freedom. But Sapphire is more than he expects and he finds himself respecting her and wanting things he knows he should not. He has never before met a woman with the strength of character to match his own. He finds Sapphire an aphrodisiac he can't live without. Wulfric's finds himself making excuses to stay despite the peril.
For Sapphire, Wulfric is completely different from the King of Sari. He values her opinion and treats her as an individual plus it doesn't hurt that his sensual skills rival her own! A heady combination indeed.
As Sapphire and Wulf find themselves unwillingly attracted to each other, both know their love is forbidden. But they cannot bear to be parted. Both are caught in an impossible situation especially since Sapphire's father is the highest commanding officer under the King of Sari. Their love is a betrayal of family and kingdom.
Livia Dare has written an amazing story in a futuristic landscape that is a compelling and fascinating. The love between the 2 star crossed lovers is a delight for the senses. I was particularly interested in Sapphire. It would have been nice to learn more about Sapphire complex history such as her decision/training to become a concubine and her combat training. My favorite part of the story is how Livia Dare portrays Wulfric. He is clearly an alpha male yet he accepts Sapphire as she is and allows her freedom to be herself. He is confident enough in himself that he does not feel the need to dominate her. The only thing I found slightly strange was the abrupt, somewhat rushed ending. I wish more time had been spent on the conclusion. However, the author will release 2 more books which will hopefully reveal more of the world and characters she has created. I highly recommend this story for those who love paranormal and futuristic romances with some very racy scenes! I thoroughly enjoyed this sensual story.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Terrific Debut of Steamy Sapphire Futuristic Fantasy Romance Trilogy, June 9, 2009
For those readers who love steamy romance with their futuristic fantasy, Livia Dare's IN THE FLESH (Book #1 of the Sapphire trilogy) with Kensington Zebra (June 2 `09) is the book for you! In the desert land of Sari, the beautiful Sapphire has been the beloved favorite concubine of its king for five years. However, the queen is jealous of his affections and sends Sapphire from the palace in hopes of enticing the king to beget her with an heir. Luckily, Sapphire's banishment includes her own palatial home and fourteen mästares to service her every need. One of the mästares comes to her gravely wounded, and she discovers he is actually the captured Crown Prince Wulfric of the enemy desert nation of D'Ashier. It is instant lust at first sight for both of them! Wulf recovers from his injuries and even though he is Sapphire's slave, he is determined to seduce her. Sapphire is equally determined to stay away from Wulf, despite their great attraction, since she knows she could never have a long-lasting relationship with an enemy of Sari--her father is the General of the Sarian Army. Wulf and Sapphire make a bargain for one night of passion before she sets him free. However, after their incendiary evening, Wulf teleports Sapphire to his palace in D'Ashier against her will where he treats her as his favored concubine. Will Wulf realize the true treasure he has in the captive Sapphire, and make her his legal mate? And what about their warring homelands? Sylvia Day aka Livia Dare is a natural born romance author with great lovers and thrilling plots in any time period. Add her to your favorites in futuristic/fantasy romance!
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